AmeriCan

Summer is flying by. Tomorrow is August 1st if you didn't know. The past week or so it has felt more like September, almost Octoberish in the morning with temps dropping down nicely. For working in the woods and what not, it doesn't get any better. There are reasons why the weather has been cool and how it could be cool the month of August,  interesting read on possibly why.  

Couple weekends ago, Jon had his last summer tourney of the season with the CanAm team he has been playing with the past 4 summers. They only did 3 tourneys this year as the kids spread out more as they get older. Summer hockey is the best. No major drama like the winter season, great kids and parents. No jealously and other silly stuff you deal with during the winter. The team had their best showing of this summer, winning their first four games earning a spot in the championship game on Sunday and the fantastic Heritage arena. They did a incredible job converting a warehouse in to what I feel is one of the best places to watch a hockey game in the Midwest. The ship game was a tough contest with some of the top 97 players in the country including a few players currently playing in the WHL. It is great hockey and fun to watch.

Been fun getting to know some of the kids and watch them progress and see them play during the winter. 

One of the displays of Duluth hockey history. There was a photo from the 60's on the left my dad recognized some guys. Good stuff.

Hockey parents.

Jake was working most of the weekend in Duluth but we did get to see him a bit and he watched a few games. We hooked up for a ride, both checking out the Piedmont trail for the first time. Great, raw, real singletrack and a super fun downhill reminded me of the Spirit Mountain course. Much better than I expected. Also checked out the Hartley trail system for the first time which was great riding as well.

July is generally a tough month for working in the woods. The heat and humidity is tolerable but the deer flies and bugs can be absolutely brutal. The cool weather as of late has slowed down the bug action and forest travel is about as good as it gets. Jens has been helping big time on the trail, blowing out the track after I go through weed whacking.

Clearing a log.

Jon had his friend Cooper out the other day and got him to help for a few hours, pulling out some rocks and re doing a berm near the lakeside. About 2-3 weeks ahead of usual. Little bit shorter course this year making it a bit easier. After riding it 7 times the past week, I think the layout is my favorite over the past 23 years. 

Picked up Jack at Italian camp and they had to have the closing program inside because it was too cold outside!! Had a nice fire going in the fireplace in the mess hall.

Sunday was a rare moment we were all together before sending Jake off to the cities and Germany for a 10 day ski training camp with the St Scholastica team. They will be skiing quite a bit in one of the ski tunnels over there. Should be a great trip with some fun adventures.